Thirty-five human services programs in Northeast Missouri are watching local United Way thermometers knowing that their 2013 budgets depend on a successful United Way campaign. The aggressive quest for the $565,000 goal began in September and is well on the way to a successful end in February 2013.

Campaign Chairman Ryan Rapp (US Bank) recently met with General Mills UW Chairman Ryan Rosenthal to announce another landmark campaign for General Mills. A total of $127,558 was pledged by employees and retirees and matched corporately. Additional special events brought the company total to $261,140.

To date The United Way of the Mark Twain Area has raised over $400,000 or 71 percent of the goal. End of the year tax deductible donations are coming in daily and other payroll deduction campaigns and gifts will continue throughout the next six weeks of the campaign.

The United Way of the Mark Twain serves Marion, Ralls, Monroe, Shelby and Lewis counties through the annual drive which touches all aspects and economic areas of the communities. Funded programs serve children, senior citizens, disabled adults, families, emergency services and health and education programs.